Navigating Pastoral Compassion without Compromising the Faith - Breaking News
On Pope Francis & the Declaration “Fiducia supplicans"
“The Declaration issued today by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) articulated a distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings, and pastoral blessings, which may be given to persons who desire God’s loving grace in their lives. The Church’s teaching on marriage has not changed, and this declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs God’s healing love and mercy in our lives.”
- Statement by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops via Chieko Noguchi, executive director of public affairs
"Fiducia supplicans," a recently issued Declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and approved by His Holy Father, Pope Francis, addresses the pastoral approach to blessings, particularly in the context of irregular situations and same-sex couples. The document focuses on the importance of pastoral closeness and discernment while making it clear that there must be the maintaining of fidelity to Catholic teachings on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
It is of the utmost importance that Catholics, especially American Catholics, do not turn to secular media outlets for breaking news on the Catholic Church, especially on this matter. When we look at a number of catchy headlines from today, such as “Pope Francis Allows Priests to Bless Same-Sex Unions” by DPA International or “Pope Francis Permits Priests to Bless Same-Sex Unions in Radical Change to Vatican Policy” by the Staten Island Advance, it would seem that Pope Francis has changed the teachings of the Church on the matter of blessings of same-sex unions that equates them to marriage, and validates them.
This is far from the truth because Pope Francis does not have the authority to call for the blessing of the union of man and man or woman and woman because the Church cannot ever bless sin. It is not possible for same-sex unions to be blessed in a liturgical manner. Divine Revelation, which comes from God cannot be changed by mere mortals. Scripture is clear that God created man and woman for one another and blessed them. (See Gen. 5:2) Humanity did not institute marriage, it was designed by God.
The Declaration recognizes the pastoral need to respond to those who, despite living in situations contrary to Christian moral norms, humbly seek blessings. It explicitly states that an ordained minister may consent to bless two people, even in irregular situations, while avoiding any elements resembling a marriage rite.
The document distinguishes between liturgical and pastoral blessings, acknowledging that certain blessings, especially those related to human relationships, should be evaluated as acts of devotion rather than requiring prior moral perfection. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church a blessing comes first among sacramentals:
1671 Among sacramentals blessings (of persons, meals, objects, and places) come first. Every blessing praises God and prays for his gifts. In Christ, Christians are blessed by God the Father "with every spiritual blessing."177 This is why the Church imparts blessings by invoking the name of Jesus, usually while making the holy sign of the cross of Christ.
1672 Certain blessings have a lasting importance because they consecrate persons to God, or reserve objects and places for liturgical use. Among those blessings which are intended for persons - not to be confused with sacramental ordination - are the blessing of the abbot or abbess of a monastery, the consecration of virgins and widows, the rite of religious profession and the blessing of certain ministries of the Church (readers, acolytes, catechists, etc.). The dedication or blessing of a church or an altar, the blessing of holy oils, vessels, and vestments, bells, etc., can be mentioned as examples of blessings that concern objects.
The Declaration makes it clear that liturgical blessings, such as those in the Sacrament of Marriage, cannot be extended to irregular or same-sex couples. However, it opens the possibility for spontaneous blessings in informal settings, such as pilgrimages or encounters with priests, where the ordained minister may join in prayer with those seeking blessings.
While the document acknowledges that such blessings should not become the norm, it encourages practical discernment by the ordained minister in specific circumstances. The emphasis is on blessing individuals rather than validating the relationship status of the couple making it clear that the blessing is for the persons involved, not their union.
To prevent confusion or scandal, the Declaration provides guidelines for when blessings are requested by couples in irregular situations or same-sex couples. It explicitly states that these blessings should not be imparted in connection with civil union ceremonies, and the gestures, clothing, and words used should avoid any resemblance to a wedding.
"Fiducia supplicans," highlights the possibility for individuals, even in situations clouded by sin, to seek blessings as a way of reaching out to God. It underscores the pastoral approach of extending blessings to those in need while maintaining fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Despite the popular headlines popping up all across the Internet today via secular media outlets, please know that Pope Francis did not change Church doctrine, and priests cannot bless the union of same-sex couples.
This document is extremely problematic. This article states, "The Declaration recognizes the pastoral need to respond to those who, despite living in situations contrary to Christian moral norms, humbly seek blessings. It explicitly states that an ordained minister may consent to bless two people, even in irregular situations, while avoiding any elements resembling a marriage rite. "
However, to bless people living in same-sex relationships (or illicit relationships, in the case of divorced but not annulled) is basically saying that their lifestyle is ok with the Church, not a sin, and there is no need for fraternal correction. Rather, they can be blessed in their sin. This is against biblical teaching and, of course Church teaching. How can someone "humbly seek blessings" while still living in a same-sex relationship? That is not being humble and seeking to overcome sinful attractions; rather, it's being blatant in sinning and expecting a blessing in return. If a person is truly seeking blessings as a way of reaching out to God, they would first discontinue their sinful lifestyle, then go on to seek blessings. In that case a priest would be blessing an individual, not an alternative couple.
Bergoglio continues to sow chaos and confusion. Chaos and confusion are not of God, they are of Satan. This was best elucidated by St. Ignatius in the Spiritual Exercises. This declaration is highly problematic.